PA House Resolution Calls For Recognizing June 19 As Korean-American Citizenship Day

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Wednesday is expected to vote on a resolution calling for the recognition of June 19 as Korean-American Citizenship Day here in the commonwealth.

The concurrent resolution, which had been introduced by State Rep. Todd Stephens, a Montgomery County Republican representing the 151st Legislative District, is designed to celebrate the first naturalization of a Korean-American citizen back in 1890.

That man, Soh Jaipil, also known as Philip Jaisohn, became the first Korean immigrant to acquire United States citizenship and established himself as a "pioneer for Korean-American history," reads the resolution, which is numbered H.R. 203.

"The influence of naturalized or natural-born citizens of Korean-American heritage may be observed in all facets of American life, including politics, industry, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, the arts and education," the House resolution states. "Resolved, That the General Assembly honor and recognize the 132nd anniversary of the first United States citizenship granted to a Korean immigrant, a resident of this Commonwealth."

Jaisohn was a Korean political refugee who came to the United States and made his home in Media, Delaware County, according to the House resolution.

The resolution says that Jaisohn was integral in helping to organize the First Korean Congress in Philadelphia, which was modeled after the First Continental Congress and Second Continental Congress of the United States.

Jaisohn was also a noted champion of the Korean Independence Movement in the United States and was responsible for establishing the Korean Information Bureau to publish the Korea Review for the cause of political and religious freedom in Korean and East Asia, the resolution states.

Jaisohn, along with the Rev. Dr. Floyd W. Tomkins, also founded the League of Friends of Korean that became organized across 21 American cities, as well as abroad in London and Paris, which worked to educate the public about the aspirations of freedom and independence for the Korean people, the resolution reads.

The resolution seeks to recognize June 19th as Korean-American Citizenship Day, in part to honor Jaisohn, and also to recognize Korean-American citizens who live throughout the country and are part of a "vibrant, growing Korean-American community in the United States," the resolution states.

The resolution says that Korean-Americans make important contributions in various careers, have made significant contributions to the "economic vitality and fabric of the United States and the global marketplace in all facets of government, for-profit business, not-for-profit business and the academic community," and have made history by winning elections as naturalized citizens or natural-born citizens throughout the U.S. at federal, state and local levels of political office.

The resolution in its full text can be viewed here.